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The state Economic Development Authority on Wednesday approved covering $420,000 of the production costs for the hit reality series' inaugural 2009 season.

"Jersey Shore's" Italian Digs

Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon told the Statehouse Bureau of The Star-Ledger of Newark and The Record newspaper he can't believe taxpayers are paying "for fake tanning for 'Snooki' and 'The Situation.'"

Gov. Chris Christie's office also issued a statement, reiterating his distaste for the series and the reputation it gives his state.

"He has also been clear about his belief that film tax credit programs are not the most effective way to spur economic growth throughout the state," Christie spokesman Michael Drewniak said, according to Newscore.

The show centers on the cast living it up along the beach and boardwalk in Seaside Heights.

But not all lawmakers' reviews are negative. Seaside Heights Mayor P. Kenneth Hershey says the local economy gets a boost when the cast is in the town.

"A lot of the business folks here appreciate that," he said.

Gov. Chris Christie suspended the film tax credit program in 2010 to close a budget deficit.